Is this plein air art?

I've had this painting for a while and I find it nicely done. It's signed, what appears to be Vance. At the top it has the dimensions and price. I've read that plein air artist usually take canvas out into the field with thin stretchers like this, easy to transport. I did contact Karen Vance, a plein air artist, and confirmed that it's not hers. Any ideas?

 

En plein air simply refers to the practice of painting landscapes on site rather than in the studio. Stretcher size is not a reliable indicator.

To my eye this appears to be a c.1960s picture, such as widely produced assembly line style for the tourist and decorator trade.

 

I cannot tell how "thin" the stretcher bars are, they look average sized to me and as was mentioned, this is no indication of an outdoors painting.

It is done in the style of Alexander/Ross (remember Bob Ross?) and just looks to be a fantasy painting.

 

I was thinking it looked like what the guy on tv used to do. Couldn't remember his name until I read antidiem's reply.

 

I love the old barn..I remember the artist,he was German and always painted " Happy Clouds" and mountains.I uset to act silly and get out a canvas and paints and mimick him.

PS
Bob Ross did the "happy trees"

 

William Alexander HAR HAR


TV host and prolific painter Bob Ross studied under Bill and there learned his wet-on-wet technique, a method of allowing oil applications to run together rather than waiting long periods for each layer to dry.[1] Ross dedicated the first episode of the second season of The Joy of Painting to Alexander, explaining that "years ago, Bill taught me this fantastic technique, and I feel as though he gave me a precious gift, and I'd like to share that gift with you [the viewer]".[2]

Born in East Prussia, Alexander's family escaped during World War I to Berlin.

 

Alec beat me to the answer. Back when I was on the Ebay boards, the question of "Plein Aire" paintings came up over and over again. Landscape paintings can be plein aire, but all landscapes are not necessarily plein aire.

 

I had read somewhere that en plein air artist, not all, used a thinner stretcher when they went out to do their paints because it wasn't bulky and easier to move. I'm not doubting you but more so of a question type statement

I do remember Bob Rods though. I use to watch his shows all the time.

 

We have a group of en plein aire artists here in Orleans and they use regular canvases. The canvases are probably small to medium size, but the stretchers are normal.

 

I bet that's were I got the mix up. It's not the smaller stretcher but canvas. I'm getting old. I can't remember what I read.

 

I always figure a painting isn't a "real" place when I see things like that zigzag drive/road.
Who in their right mind would deliberately make one that way when there is perfectly level ground all around.

 

So, a painting that has a Ross like method is more than likely a painting to just be admired and really not expect growth in value?

 

I think the zig zag road looks charming but then I have weird taste.

 

Charming, scharming. Try getting a loaded wagon up it.

 

Well.looking out my window, I see dozens of rain puddles where the horses are. If I manuver the hay cart here and there to avoid the pools......I too will have a zigzag path in no time.

 

A lot of en plein painting is done on things like canvas board and, when they were more plentiful, cigar box lids. Anything light and easy to carry that doesn't take up a lot of room.